Condo Showdown: five Liberty Village units for under $550,000

Liberty Village has morphed from an industrial dead zone into an enclave of concrete, glass and brick in just a few years. Since units are more affordable than in King West proper, the neighbourhood is popular with first-time buyers (young professionals also appreciate the proximity to necessities like a Starbucks, an LCBO, a grocery store, banks, pubs and trendy furniture stores). A budget of about $500,000 will easily cover a two-bedroom condo in one of the newer towers, but those set on a loft-style apartment will have to compromise on amenities or space (or both). Here, five properties recently on the market.

The archetype

Address:50 Lynn Williams Street, Unit 1511List price: $429,900Building fees and amenities: $479.31; Concierge; indoor swimming pool; whirlpool; steam room; fitness center with change rooms; theater room; billiards room; party room with catering kitchen, bar and outdoor patio with barbecues; guest suitesThe take: The oldest building in a three-tower development, Battery Park has a raft of shared amenities, including a large pool and fitness centre. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner suite has a pair of balconies and more spacious rooms than you’ll find in some of the newer buildings. However, its views have become more obstructed as more buildings have popped up.Agent: Monte Walls Burris and Frank Bertucca, Keller Williams Referred Urban Realty, Brokerage

Address: 100 Western Battery Road, Unit 1906List price: $465,000Building fees and amenities: $483.05; Concierge; gym; indoor pool; party roomThe take: This unit also has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but snazzier finishes and space for a formal dining table make it a great option for a more mature buyer. The 145-square-foot patio has a view of the lake—if you can look past some less-than-beautiful parking lots and construction.Agent: Kim Kehoe, Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Address:915 King Street West, Penthouse 4List price: $524,900Sold for: $510,000 after 21 days on the marketBuilding fees and amenities: $610.29; NoneThe take: The much-lauded Massey Harris lofts are on King Street, just one step outside the confines of Liberty Village proper. This one bedroom plus den is in a newer addition to the top of the building, which means it lacks some of the structure’s heritage character. The consolation prize: two-storey windows that aren’t found in some of the older units.Agent: Theodore Wakim, Brad J. Lamb Realty Inc., Brokerage